By Edem Latsu Nukafu
Rapper Lupe Fiasco has fulfilled his promise on Thanksgiving day by making good use of the flute beats from André 3000‘s new album by dropping verses on them.
The Chicago rap poet took to Twitter/X on Wednesday (November 22), and posted a clip rapping over New Blue Sun cut, “I Really Wanted To Make A Rap Album, But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time.”
“I prefer Kintsugi pottery over pristine, perfectly-weaved sophistry/ I’m bodhisattva possibly ’cause being bothered don’t even bother me/ But not a Buddha ’cause I ain’t got the modesty/ What you miss mentally is how much I catch bodily,” he effortlessly spits.
In addition to the audio, there is also a photo of Lupe and the deceased Virgil Abloh. “He showing me the custom case he made for 3 Stacks flute,” Lupe explains in the caption.
It’s unclear if he’s rapped over the entire album yet as promised, as this is all he’s shared so far. Listen to his first offering below.
“3,048”
— CHECKIN’ Out Now! #APTMC (@LupeFiasco) November 22, 2023
Happy 🦃 Day
That’s me an Virgil at LV. He showing me the custom case he made for 3 Stacks flute.
🌪️ pic.twitter.com/l9vf9kjdmj
The legendary OutKast duo rapper amazed enthusiasts last week by announcing his long-awaited solo album New Blue Sun, which was released on Friday (November 17).
Despite his status as one of the most gifted rappers of all time — who, judging by his series of show-stealing guest verses, has still got it — the project features zero rapping or crooning.
Rather, it’s described as a “stunning” and “experimental” instrumental record that showcases 3 Stacks’ skills on the flute, the instrument he’s often seen playing during rare (and random) public appearances.
The news has been met with mixed reactions from rap heads who have been waiting almost two decades for a full-length solo offering from André Benjamin, and were hoping for the kind of dazzling displays of lyrical dexterity he’s famous for.
The disappointment of enthusiasts could be mitigated by the plans of Lupe Fiasco, a fellow rhyme virtuoso.
“Gonna rap all over that 3stacks album and put it in the time capsule for future generations,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter) days before the album’s release.
His post was accompanied by a video of a dance troupe performing an elaborate routine to Michael Jackson‘s “Billie Jean,” a hint at the lyrical acrobatics to come.
Applying his voice to diverse musical canvases is something the Chicago native is experienced with. Outside of the Kanye West, Neptunes and Soundtrakk beats that have graced his studio albums, Lupe has rapped over music from Robert Glasper (“Valleys”), Radiohead (“The National Anthem”) and John Coltrane (“Life, Death & Love From San Francisco”).
Lupe Fiasco, unlike André 3000, has not announced a new album yet, but he has kept his loyal fanbase satisfied this year with multiple releases, including ‘SentRock’, ‘Roc-A-Fella Y’all’, and ‘Channel No.’ 3.”
Writer’s Email:edemlatsu093@gmail.com
